Final answer:
Steatorrhea is a condition characterized by the excretion of excessive amounts of fatty material in the stools, usually due to fat malabsorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Steatorrhea?
Steatorrhea is a condition characterized by fatty, greasy, and foul-smelling stools. This is typically due to a malabsorption of fats in the diet, meaning that the body is not able to properly absorb fats from the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to an excessive amount of fat being excreted in the feces. Steatorrhea may result from an obstruction to the flow of bile into the intestine or a defect in the absorption of digested lipids. Signs of steatorrhea include diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, gas, and greasy stool, which can lead to dehydration if severe.
When fat absorption is impaired, excessive free fatty acids are formed due to hydrolysis. These fatty acids can bind with calcium to form insoluble soaps, which are then lost in the feces, contributing to the characteristic presentation of steatorrhea.